SPHINX. 
36 5 
formation, where it changes its gaudy attire for a 
plain coloured case, in which it remains from Sep- 
tember till the following June or July. 
This ci eature is quoted by Or. Snaw as a fine 
instance of the relation which the papilionaceous 
tribe bear in passing through their different stages, 
to the awful mystery revealed in the sacred writings, 
and thinks it equal to any of the order as a type of 
the resurrection. He very properly remarks that 
the silk-worm is wrongly chosen for this purpose, 
as it neither undergoes its change beneath the sur- 
face of the earth, nor bursts from its tomb with 
any beauty to recommend it beyond its fellows: 
whereas, on the contrary, the Sphinx atropos is 
buried deep within the ground for nine months of 
the year, and then, leaving its sombre tomb, mounts 
into the air arrayed in colours which cannot fail to 
excite the admiration of all who behold them. 
The different stages through which these insects 
pass are indeed wonderful, and such as are calculated 
to make a strong impression on contemplative minds. 
Their progress has been marked by many, and we 
must ever feel indebted to the subject, since it has 
called forth the following beautiful lines from the 
pen of Dr. Shaw : 
The helpless crawling caterpillar trace. 
From the first period of his reptile race. 
Cloth’d in dishonour, on the leafy spray 
Unseen he wears his silent hours away j 
Till satiate grown of ail that life supplies. 
Self-taught, the voluntary martyr dies. 
Deep under earth his darkling course he bends. 
And to the tomb, a willing guest, descends ; 
